I freely chose the kind of life I led because I was convinced that a woman has as much right as a man to live the way she does if she does no actual harm to society.
Mae WestRead
A man can be short and dumpy and getting bald but if he has fire, women will like him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Attraction is not solely based on physical appearance; confidence and passion can make someone appealing.
This quote by Mae West suggests that a person's charisma, confidence, and inner fire can outweigh any physical shortcomings they may have. It emphasizes the importance of personality and passion in attracting others, particularly in romantic contexts, hinting that women—and perhaps people in general—are drawn to those who exhibit enthusiasm and genuine interest in life, regardless of traditional beauty standards.
Themes
AttractionConfidencePersonalityCharismaPassion
In practice
Example use cases
During a romantic dinner, someone could quote this to emphasize the importance of personality over looks.
More from Mae West
All quotes →Kiss and make up-but too much makeup has ruined many a kiss.
Mae WestRead
I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure.
Mae WestRead
A girl in the convertible is worth five in the phone book.
Mae WestRead
Don't keep a man guessing too long - he's sure to find the answer somewhere else.
Mae WestRead
I only have 'yes' men around me. Who needs 'no' men?
Mae WestRead
Similar quotes
You know, for me, the realization that two people should have the right to form a sacred union regardless of their gender was strengthened when I saw a performance of the play The Normal Heart in 1985. After feeling the love those two men had for each other, I dare anybody not to want them to get married by the end.
Barbra StreisandRead
You try to be faithful And sometimes you're cruel. You are mine. Then, you leave. Without you, I can't cope. And when you take the lead, I become your footstep. Your absence leaves a void. Without you, I can't cope. You have disturbed my sleep, You have wrecked my image. You have set me apart. Without you, I can't cope.
RumiRead
Do you love me because I'm beautiful, or am I beautiful because you love me?
Oscar Hammerstein IiRead
I am running through a snowfall which is her thighs, he dramatized in purple. Her thighs are filling up the street. Wide as a snowfall, heavy as huge falling Zeppelins, her damp thighs are settling on the sharp roofs and wooden balconies. Weather-vanes press the shape of roosters and sail-boats into the skin. The faces of famous statues are preserved like intaglios.
Leonard CohenRead
In Oran, as elsewhere, for want of time and thought, people have to love one another without knowing it.
Albert CamusRead
The bottom line is that (a) people are never perfect, but love can be, (b) that is the one and only way that the mediocre and the vile can be transformed, and (c) doing that makes it that. Loving makes love. Loving makes itself. We waste time looking for the perfect lover instead of creating the perfect love. Wouldn't that be the way to make love stay?
Tom RobbinsRead